This page was created by Jane Darcovich. The last update was by Dan Harper.
Back to the Drawing Board
The lobbying campaign took a while. At that time, the General Assembly convened only once every two years. That practice prevented swift action by lawmakers, especially when they had more pressing issues to consider, such as the state’s budget. They nevertheless took the time to hear testimony about the forest preserve proposition from state, county, and city leaders in 1907 and scheduled more hearings for the following winter.
At the same time that lawmakers considered new legislation, Perkins continued to cultivate public interest in the forests. He invited citizens to participate in a “Saturday Afternoon Walking Club” that sponsored weekly nature outings. The members of this club took excursions away from the bustle of Chicago’s city life to explore the land along the Des Plaines River. Numerous photographs, later used to promote the campaign for the forest preserves, depicted these nature walkers traipsing across farms and fields, climbing over fences, and observing the area’s rich plant and animal life.
